Loic L.
Scout
ScoutMono Basin Dispersed Camp Site
First spot with a 22 feet TT. No problem, amazing view
Tent Camping near Lee Vining, CA
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Tent campsites near Lee Vining, California provide access to high alpine terrain and desert landscapes while offering views of Mono Lake. Mono Basin Dispersed Camp Site features several primitive tent locations along a National Forest Service Road with panoramic vistas, while Mill Creek National Forest provides walk-in tent sites alongside a flowing creek. Upper Virginia Creek Campground offers established tent camping with basic amenities including vault toilets and bear boxes, located within proximity to Virginia Lakes.
The terrain at these primitive tent campgrounds varies considerably, with many sites positioned on sandy or rocky ground that may present challenges for tent staking. Mill Creek's walk-in tent sites provide creek-side camping with natural shade, while Mono Basin sites are situated on exposed bluffs with little protection from wind or sun. Most dispersed camping areas lack facilities entirely, requiring campers to pack out all waste and bring sufficient water. Fire restrictions are common throughout the region, particularly during summer months when wildfire risk increases. High-clearance vehicles are recommended for accessing more remote tent camping areas, though several sites remain accessible with standard passenger cars.
Tent campers seeking solitude will find numerous options throughout the Lee Vining area, with Mono Basin sites offering excellent stargazing opportunities and unobstructed views. Higher elevation backcountry tent sites like Upper Lyell Canyon provide cooler temperatures during summer months but require significant hiking distance from trailheads. Wind conditions can change rapidly, particularly at exposed primitive tent sites overlooking Mono Lake. Seasonal considerations include snow at higher elevations through late spring and intense summer heat at lower-elevation tent campgrounds. A recent review noted, "Plenty of space between sites, some creekside, and access to trails and the Virginia lakes resort is a 5 minute drive. Bodie ghost town and Mono lake are great day adventures from here as well."
Best Tent Campgrounds near Lee Vining (64)
1. Mono Basin Dispersed Camp Site
"Came here after our first attempted location farther east on highway 120 ended up having A LOT of bees and flies."
"Along a National Forest Service Road are 4-5 pullouts with great views of Mono Lake and the adjacent small crater. You can walk up the crater or hike down to the South Tufa area. "
2. Mill Creek National Forest
"nice shaded with creek sounds no restroom"
"This is a very cool spot the entrance is just south of Lundy Lake rd. on the 395, there's also a back way in on Lundy Lake rd. just past the first building."
3. Upper Lyell Canyon Footbridge Backcountry Campsite — Yosemite National Park
"RANGER REVIEW: MOUNTAIN HOUSE BEEF STEW AT UPPER LYELL CANYON FOOTBRIDGE BACKCOUNTRY CAMPSITE CAMPGROUND REVIEW: UPPER LYELL CANYON Backpackers Campground, Yosemite National Park, CA."
"Was coming from thousand island lake heading to tuolumne meadows. Found it by accident, was in a rush to find a spot before it got dark. Place was amazing."
4. Upper Virginia Creek Campground
"For a free spot, it was clean and had pit toilets, bear boxes and fire pits. Plenty of space between sites, some creekside, and access to trails and the Virginia lakes resort is a 5 minute drive."
5. Aerie Crag RV Campground
"Enjoyed the near empty campground despite no services. Local NF campground was full so we opted for this campground and didn’t regret it. Fishing in the creek just steps from the site."
6. Young Lakes Backcountry Camp — Yosemite National Park
"Great backcountry campsite with a ~6.4 mile hike in. Camp alongside beautiful lakes. Many spots at the lower campsite. Definitely worth visiting the upper lakes."
Check Availabilityfrom $5 / night
7. Scenic Loop - Dispersed Camping
"No bathrooms, water, electricity, or fire rings. Pretty dispersed but close enough to downtown. Would go back!"
"GREAT SPOT. so so close to the mountain."
8. Obsidian Meadows Dispersed
"The road is maintained but requires high clearance. There are many sites on the way in and then 5 or 6 once at obsidian meadows trail head."
"Nice off road trail with some scattered sites."
9. Glen Aulin High Sierra Camp — Yosemite National Park
"The concept behind these camps is that you can walk 6-10 miles each day with only a day pack, and spend the night in these supported camps where tents, water, and food are provided by concessionaires. "
"Went up to Glen Aulin last week for a backpacking trip and stayed there 2 nights. There were 30 sites that were in varied types of environments."
10. Vogelsang High Sierra Camp — Yosemite National Park
"We went off season so the cabins were not set up but you can camp all around where the cabins would be. It was quiet, peaceful and ridiculously gorgeous!"
"No toilets or showers at this backpacking campground - but it’s the best! We usually see a few marmots and haven’t seen any bear activity in the 4+ times we’ve been there."
Drive Time
- 1 hr 53 min from Carson City, NV
- 4 hrs 25 min from Modesto, CA
- 5 hrs from Merced, CA
- 5 hrs 50 min from Fresno, CA
Recent Tent Camping Photos near Lee Vining, CA
38 Photos of 64 Lee Vining Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Mono Basin Dispersed Camp SiteJ
Mill Creek National ForestW
Young Lakes Backcountry Camp — Yosemite National Park
Upper Lyell Canyon Footbridge Backcountry Campsite — Yosemite National Park
Obsidian Meadows DispersedM
Upper Deadman Campground
Sunrise High Sierra Camp — Yosemite National Park
Sunrise Lakes Backcountry Camp — Yosemite National Park
Scenic Loop - Dispersed Camping
Shepherd Hot Springs
Hetch Hetchy Backpacker's Campground — Yosemite National Park
Thousand Island Lake Backcountry
Tent Camping Reviews near Lee Vining, CA
1414 Reviews of 64 Lee Vining Campgrounds
Shawn S.
LegendWhiskey Flats RV Park
Very cute rv campground with a lot of unique style. Not much around the area and it is actually kind of creepy with the military all around. Very close to the highway.
Rubén D.
GuideWawona Campground — Yosemite National Park
The campground is very accessible and therefore can feel busy at times (visited in October). It has flushable toilets and the general store is less than 10 min away by car. The campsites are rather close to each other, so don’t expect a lot of privacy. Our site (88C) was right in front of the restrooms, which have floodlights on all night and would not recommend. Overall, it’s a pretty good campground!
- DDavid R.
TravelerWhiskey Flats RV Park
Super clean and nice facility
joani I.TravelerWhiskey Flats RV Park
We received an email receipt with no bathroom code of parking number. There were no directions for what to do when we got there. We got there after hours. The listing said 50 and we were charged 77
- LLani B.Guide
Goat Meadow - Dispersed Camp Site
Loads of space! Not many people here in October. Park lot had two trailers and the trail to the right is wide open with numerous pullouts. Lots of great trails around for the dogs.
Rav H.GuideGoat Meadow - Dispersed Camp Site
This is actually a really nice free dispersed camping site. Once you get to the Goat Meadows sign if you go left you will find a large parking lot with bathrooms. There were probably ten rigs or so jst camping up on the parking lot. If you go right down the hill you will find multiple dispersed camping sites. They are a little obscure, but some have nice fire rings that let you know it’s a site. They are very well spaced so even when you have neighbors you will hardly see or hear them. At the top of the hill where you go left or right was a camp host looking site but not sure if it is actually, but there was a camper there with a bumper pull trailer who uses a very loud shop type cheap generator that you can literally hear all over the area. Luckily, he turned it off about 10pm but started it up around 8am. If it weren’t for him probably would have given this site five stars. Also, T-Mobile and ATT both had zero cell service our phones were both on SOS but that really wasn’t a problem for us.
Aaron S.
Rangerthe Inn at Benton Hot Springs
Pure Relaxation & A Must-Know Big-Rig Access Tip
Reviewed by: The Crew at Hitched4fun.com
If you are looking for a truly unique, tranquil getaway off the beaten path in California, The Inn at Benton Hot Springs is tough to beat. We recently stopped here to decompress on our trip to Glacier National Park, staying in Hot Tub Site#2, and it was hands-down one of the most relaxing nights of our entire journey.
The Soak& Site Experience (Site#2)
Each campsite here features its own dedicated, private natural hot spring tub.
- Cleanliness & Water: Site#2 was immaculate. The tub was spotless, and the mineral water was piping hot and easy to adjust to the perfect soaking temperature.
- Privacy& Seclusion: The layout offers exceptional privacy between sites. You get uninterrupted desert and mountain views, completely dark night skies for stargazing, and total quiet.
- Booking Tip: This place is no secret among seasoned road trippers—plan well ahead, because these private tub sites book up fast.
CRITICAL PRO-TIP: Big-Rig Navigation on Highway 120
If you are pulling a large setup—like our 39-foot Keystone Raptor toyhauler—pay close attention to this arrival strategy to save yourself immense stress:
- DO NOT attempt a right-hand turn into the campground driveway from westbound Hwy 120. The angle is practically a 180-degree hook, flanked by a telephone pole, a narrow gate, and tight fencing. It is physically impossible for a long trailer to clear without clipping something or blocking the road(speaking for a friend, of course!).
- The Turnaround Maneuver: You must be facing EAST to safely enter the dirt driveway. Drive west past the main office and look for the wide dirt turnout directly across from the intersection of Highway 120 and Yellow Jacket Road.
- The Smart Check-In Plan: Pull into that turnout to temporarily park your rig and complete your U-turn. From there, take the easy 100-yard walk back to the office to grab your paperwork and check-in packet. Once you're set, you will be heading east, allowing you to make a smooth, wide left-hand turn directly into the campground entrance without sweating a scratch.
Nobody wants to be the camper stuck across both lanes of Highway 120. Following this route will save your nerves, your trailer skirts, and your tires.
The Hitched4fun Verdict
Benton Hot Springs is an absolute gem for anyone traveling Eastern California. Once you navigate the entrance, having your own private, steaming mineral tub just steps from your RV door makes all the driving worthwhile. We will definitely be back.
P.S. Absolutely no Cell Service. Bring a Starlink Dish.
- LLaney S.Guide
June Lake Campground
Gorgeous!
It was freezing when we went! The camp host was so nice and welcoming. The site was pretty close to the noisy highway.
Guide to Lee Vining
Tent campsites near Lee Vining, California sit at elevations ranging from 6,500 to 9,000 feet, creating significant temperature variations between day and night even during summer months. The sandy volcanic soil typical of the eastern Sierra region can present challenges for tent staking, requiring campers to bring sturdy stakes or alternative anchoring solutions. Many primitive sites offer direct views of the Sierra Nevada mountain range's eastern escarpment.
What to do
Hike to alpine lakes: From Upper Lyell Canyon Footbridge Backcountry Campsite in Yosemite, campers can access multiple high-elevation lakes. "Camp alongside beautiful lakes. Many spots at the lower campsite. Definitely worth visiting the upper lakes," notes one visitor who completed the 6.4-mile hike in.
Explore Bodie Ghost Town: A short drive from Upper Virginia Creek Campground, this well-preserved mining town offers a glimpse into California's gold rush era. "Virginia lakes resort is a 5 minute drive. Bodie ghost town and Mono lake are great day adventures from here as well," reports one camper.
Filter creek water: Camping along Mill Creek offers the convenience of on-site water sources, though treatment is required. "Nice shaded with creek sounds no restroom," comments one camper who appreciated the natural amenities despite the primitive conditions.
What campers like
Creek-side camping: The sound of flowing water enhances the Mill Creek National Forest camping experience. "Cool water, a nice breeze in the evening, water sounds day and night. Quiet," explains one camper who appreciated the natural white noise.
Privacy between sites: Many dispersed camping areas offer substantial separation between neighboring sites. "We found a nice, open campsite with great views of Mono Lake and the eastern Sierras. Road got quite sandy in some sections," notes one visitor to Mono Basin Dispersed Camp Site.
Good cell coverage: Unlike many remote camping areas, several Lee Vining sites maintain usable signals. "Excellent Verizon signal (for data)," reports one camper at Mono Basin, while another noted being able to hike up nearby hills for "a perfect view of Mono Lake and full cell signal."
What you should know
Weather extremes: Exposed camping sites experience significant temperature swings and wind. "It gets warm during the day, but there is a good breeze during the day. And an even better breeze at night. lots of bugs. bring bug spray," advises a Mono Basin camper.
Road conditions vary: Access to many primitive sites requires careful driving. "The road is not great, drive slowly," warns a Mill Creek visitor, while another notes, "My cruze made it!" demonstrating that standard vehicles can reach many sites with caution.
Fire restrictions common: Obsidian Meadows Dispersed and most other area campgrounds frequently prohibit open flames. "A few rock fire rings, but cannot be used when we were there," reports a recent visitor, highlighting the importance of checking current fire regulations.
Tips for camping with families
Utilize bear boxes: Some established campgrounds provide secure food storage. "For a free spot, it was clean and had pit toilets, bear boxes and fire pits," notes a visitor to Upper Virginia Creek Campground, making it suitable for families without specialized bear-resistant containers.
Choose creek-adjacent sites: Natural water features provide both entertainment and natural cooling. One Mill Creek camper noted the "calming creek noise" that helps mask other campground sounds and provides a natural play area for children.
Plan for insects: Bug protection is essential, especially during warmer months. "Lots of bugs" was mentioned by multiple reviewers across different campgrounds, suggesting families should pack appropriate repellent and protective clothing.
Tips from RVers
High clearance vehicles recommended: Many roads to prime dispersed camping spots deteriorate beyond what standard vehicles can handle. "The road gets a little rough and soft after the 4th site," notes one camper at Glen Aulin High Sierra Camp, with others mentioning "4wd not required, but might help."
Limited turning space: Some forest roads offer few opportunities to turn around larger vehicles. "This site has limited turnarounds and would be challenging for motor homes over 24 feet and or trailers," warns a camper about narrow access roads typical throughout the region.
Surface changes: Be prepared for varying road conditions even on single routes. "Surface changes to sand half a mile from the springs, would be a risk for heavy vehicles when wet," explains a camper describing the challenge of reaching campsites after weather events.
Frequently Asked Questions
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campsite near Lee Vining, CA?
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Lee Vining, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Lee Vining, CA is Mono Basin Dispersed Camp Site with a 4.8-star rating from 13 reviews.
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Lee Vining, CA?
What is the best site to find tent camping near Lee Vining, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 64 tent camping locations near Lee Vining, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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